A common allegation in the comment stream of articles about homeless migrants is that they receive more services than veterans.
In Denver, this simply is not true. In fact, the number of homeless veterans in the Denver region dipped by 16% in 2023 due to a multi-pronged approach to end veteran homelessness, according to the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, or MDHI. As of Dec. 31, there were 391 veterans in the Denver metropolitan area, down from 468, according to MDHI. A total of 415 veterans received housing in 2023, MDHI reported.
According to a news release, MDHI’s goal for 2024 is to functionally end veteran homelessness in four of nine subregions. “This means homelessness for veterans becomes rare, brief, and nonrecurring,” the news release states.
MDHI hopes to end veteran homelessness by 2027 using the Built for Zero philosophy. The Built for Zero philosophy uses quality data about homeless veterans to inform solutions. So far, five subregions have achieved quality data including Adams County, City of Aurora, Boulder County, Douglas County, and the tri-cities, according to MDHI. This includes a list of all homeless veterans by name.
“A by-name list allows you to know everyone in your community experiencing homelessness in real time,” according to the Built for Zero website. “Without this information, you cannot:
· “Understand the scope of homelessness in your community.
· “Understand how people move in and out of your system on an ongoing basis,
· “Have accurate information to set goals to reduce homelessness.
· “Have accurate information to understand if you are making progress in ending homelessness.”
Misinformation rampant
Dozens of programs for veterans exist across the metro Denver area. Resources for veterans, meanwhile, are limited and rare outside of Denver. While there are numerous shelter and housing programs for veterans, migrants are limited to a 14-day shelter stay in Denver for singles and six weeks for families with children.
When President Biden announced $86 million would be spent sheltering migrants, social media exploded with allegations that the migrants were receiving the red carpet treatment while no money was made available for veterans. According to FactCheck.org, a service of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, the American Rescue Plan Act includes $750 million for housing veterans. In 2021, the Veterans Administration issued a press release detailing what the American Rescue Plan Act includes for veterans.
Programs for Denver veterans
Programs for homeless veterans in the Denver area include:
Veterans Administration. The VA offers immediate food and shelter, including both transitional and permanent housing; job training, life skills development, and education; support with justice system navigation and community re-entry from jail; financial support to prevent homelessness; treatment for addiction and depression, and health and dental care.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. “The Coalition responds to the unique needs of homeless veterans through its Veterans Administration Grant Per Diem programs and the Coalition’s housing programs at Renaissance at Civic Center Apartments, Renaissance at North Colorado Station, Victory House, and Beacon Place,” according to the Coalition website. “This program provides transitional housing with supportive case management.”
Rocky Mountain Human Services. Homes for all Veterans program assists homeless veterans.
Volunteers of America. “Through our Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Female Veteran Program and our partnerships with other veteran-serving organizations across Colorado, Volunteers of America connects veterans and their families with services and assistance to meet each individual’s specific needs,” according to the VOA website. Veterans needing immediate assistance can call 303-297-0408.
Remerg. Remerg works to reduce recidivism in the justice system. The organization operates a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. “They provide a bus pass for people enrolled in their program, weekly job fairs, access to a computer lab, upskilling and job readiness training,” according to its website.
Denver Rescue Mission. According to its website, the Mission helped almost 1,000 veterans last year with case management, housing, mental health services and employment services.
Politics leads to false statements
It’s popular among some circles to criticize any kind of help given to migrants. This political stance leads to false declarations on social media, however. Migrants do not have more resources available to them than veterans.
Even in Canada, rumors swirl that the migrants get a better deal than that country’s pensioners. “No, refugees do not get more financial help from the federal government than Canadian pensioners,” according to the government of Canada website. The amount of monthly financial support that government-assisted refugees gets is based on social assistance rates in each province and territory. It is the minimum amount needed to cover only the most basic food and shelter needs.”
While Denver migrants may stay in hotels for short periods on the city’s dime, many end up on the street in encampments after their short shelter stays. There is no pipeline of cash keeping migrants in fancy digs for long periods. It’s safe to say more safety nets exist for veterans than migrants.